How to Use Blackline Masters

Blackline masters can be purchased for use in theafter reading the appropriate text. In other kinds of
schoolroom and are a valuable teaching resource.Blackline masters the student can colour in a picture -
Legally, the photocopied pages are only for use inor perhaps part of a picture, depending on what the
the one class and not for distribution outside thesubject is. Blackline masters can be used to teach
school, or even to the local school district.reading, math, science, poetry, comprehension, art
Teachers using Blackline masters must identify whichand many other subjects. The subject that they
activity is appropriate for their lesson and photocopyteach will dictate to a great degree what activities
that page to give out to the students. The teacherthe children will be engaged in.
then continues to use the original copy of the bookThe activities using Blackline masters are endless,
by reading the hints on how to use the page. Thesevaried and creative and encourage children to learn in
can be teaching hints or an explanation of what thea positive way. Children also learn small motor skills by
children are to do with their sheet.tracing over the lines, cutting and gluing their Blackline
The teachers’ guide may contain such things asmasters sheets. Blackline masters can be used in
the objective or goals of the lesson - thus helpingaddition to school curricula to make lessons more
the teacher stay focused; context for use; extrainteresting.
ideas for learning and teaching; even more activitiesSome blackline masters are also available in CD form
to be done afterwards and an overview of eachor can often be downloaded and printed out straight
project outlining each step to be carried out andfrom a website. They are an excellent resource for
what materials - if any - will be needed. This easesteachers and children of the lower primary grades,
the teachers’ workload of preparation for thewith many activities to inspire and encourage
lesson as each step is explained and it can be seen atcreativity as they learn reading, writing and math
a glance what must be done.topics. Older children can also learn much from using
In some cases the photocopied sheet has room toBlackline masters that have been created especially
for the student to write an answer to questions -for their age group.